Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These accounts delve into intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
